Do you have enough smoke alarms in your home?
There's concern households across Wiltshire may be putting themselves at risk
Last updated 11th Jan 2022
Residents across Wiltshire are being urged to make fire safety a priority this year.
As part of the Fire Kills campaign, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is asking people to make sure that they have enough working alarms in their home.
The emergency service says residents should fit smoke alarms on every level of their home. DWFRS also recommends that alarms are tested regularly.
New figures reveal that one smoke alarm may not be sufficient to provide people the best chance of escaping a fire at home.
It’s clear that most individuals know a working smoke alarm can save lives, by providing those vital few seconds needed to escape a fire. However, despite the vast majority of homes (90%) having at least one working smoke alarm in their home, alarms alerted householders to a blaze in England in only 43% of cases.
The most common reason a smoke alarm failed to activate was because the fire was outside its range.
'Smoke alarms don’t last forever'
Ian Hopkins, the Prevention Delivery Manager at DWFRS, said: "It’s so important that you have enough smoke alarms and that they are in the right place to have the best chance of alerting you and your loved ones to a fire.
"You should make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, preferably in hallways and landings. Placing smoke detectors near to sleeping areas and in rooms where there are electrical appliances could give you the extra warning you need.
"It’s also important to remember that smoke alarms don’t last forever. The power might work, but the detection mechanism deteriorates with time. So whether they are battery operated or wired to the mains, to work at their best they should be replaced every ten years".
Smoke alarm top tips:
• Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home.
• Fit your smoke alarms in the right place. The ideal position is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room or on a hallway or landing.
• Consider fitting additional alarms in other rooms where there are electrical appliances and near sleeping areas.
• Don’t put alarms in or near kitchens and bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident.
• Test smoke alarms weekly and replace every ten years, or sooner if they fail the test.
DWFRS is also reminding carers and people who keep a close eye on less able relatives to check that these homes have enough smoke alarms.
"And finally, don’t forget to test your smoke alarms at least every month," added Ian Hopkins.